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Residential Roofing Tips

Home Roof Replacement: What to Expect When You’ve Hired Bond Roofing

A roof is a considerable expense for any homeowner. If you’re hiring a Raleigh roofer, you want to make sure you find one you can trust. And, of course, you want to know what to expect in the process. Here is what happens when you hire us and what to expect the day we come to your home to replace your roof. 

After You Hire Us

Congratulations! You’ve chosen an excellent roofing team. Now what? Once you’ve chosen Bond Roofing, our project managers will help you schedule your roof replacement. Most residential roof replacements take two to three days. Fun fact: We remove more than three tons of materials when doing the average roof replacement. 

e tend to schedule a week or so in advance. Our team members will coordinate with you to select a time for your schedule. But remember, you don’t have to be home if you prefer us to work on your house while you’re gone.

Rainy Weather 

We can work most of the year in North Carolina. We may delay your project’s start if the temperature is too low, but we’ll let you know. 

However, rain is one thing we can’t work through. After all, you don’t want rain coming into your house or attic. We check the forecast daily, and we’ll let you know if we need to postpone your roof work. 

In some cases, we may reschedule if it will rain only during part of a two-day job. However, when we work on a roof, we only remove as much as we know we can replace that same day, so you’re covered even if the job takes a few days. 

What Happens on Roofing Day 

So you’re all set and today’s the day. What will happen? 

On your roofing day, our site project manager will come out to get things started. During the first few hours, you’ll see crews setting up a Dumpster and organizing the materials. A crew leader is on-site at all times, and you can speak to him if you have questions. 

Our workday usually begins at 8 a.m. We finish by 6 p.m., but we might work later if we’re expecting bad weather so we can wrap or prepare your roof. 

You don’t have to be at home. If you work from home, you might want to vacate for the day because it is noisy and messy. Please keep your pets and children away from the worksite. You might want to let your neighbors know you’re having work done so they can prepare for the noise. 

Please provide or do the following:  

  • Access to power for our tools.
  • Access to your driveway (if applicable) and part of your yard. We can only store our equipment on hard surfaces such as a driveway. 

We do our best to work safely and cleanly and protect your home. But please help us by doing the following: 

  • Cover valuables in your attic. They might get dusty as we work. 
  • Remove hanging plants, garden art, patio furniture, and grills. We can move some things, but let us know if you have any special lighting, statues, or items near the roofline that cannot be moved or may cause problems. 
  • Check your wall hangings. Roofing work may cause vibrations in the walls of your home. 
  • Cover your hot tub or pool. 
  • Call your satellite dish provider. We will need to remove your roof-mounted dish. We can reinstall it in the same location, but we cannot re-align it. 
  • Remove your gutter guards. We cannot be held responsible for damage to them.
  • Remove window screens. We protect them as best we can, but we cannot be held responsible for rips or other damage. 

Our site manager will give you an update on the project as we get close to finish. When we’re done, we’ll clean up and remove all debris. 

If you have questions not answered here about working with our roofing team, let us know.  

Categories
Residential Roofing Tips Commercial Roofing Tips

10 Signs of a Quality Roofing Company

With so many roofing options in the Triangle area, you have many contractors from which to choose. Working with a quality roofing company is critical for several reasons. After all, your roof is an expensive investment and you want to feel confident that the work is done well for a fair price.

You should have full confidence in the company before signing a contract. If you feel something isn’t right, it probably isn’t. Other than your gut feeling, here are some signs you are working with a quality roofing company.

1. Contract – Everything should be in writing. The contract should lay out the details of the work to be performed, what materials will be used, fixed costs, how changes to the scope are to be handled, warranty information, payment terms, and approximate timeline of completion.

2. Experience – Look for companies that have been around for a long while. When a contractor has been in business for a decade or longer, it’s a pretty good indicator they not only have the roofing experience to deliver a good product but the financial soundness to stand behind that product down the road. With 17 years of Raleigh roofing under our belts, the Bond team is highly experienced and does a phenomenal job with even the most challenging commercial and residential roofing projects. If you feel comfortable with a newer team, that’s fine. We all had to start somewhere!

3. References and Reviews – You might ask your potential contractor for references but no contractor is going to give you a list of bad references.  Ask about their portfolio of work – have they completed other projects nearby?  Have they installed your proposed roofing system on other homes they can share with you? Can they share the last 10 projects they completed?   Additionally, check online reviews. While few businesses will have an honest 5-star rating, you should see mainly positive reviews. The number of stars may not tell the whole story. Read the negative reviews to decide if those people have a point or something else might be going on.

4. Word of Mouth – How you heard about the roofer matters. We’ve had clients tell us someone knocked on their door and told them they need a new roof or offer a free roof inspection. You probably wouldn’t allow a stranger in your house, why allow one on top of it.

5. Local – Is the contractor established in your community or did they just appear in the market recently?  Do they have an actual place of business and a local phone number?  We have too many horror stories of contractors doing shoddy work and then skipping town.

6. Licensed – This may be a no-brainer, but you should never work with a contractor that isn’t licensed. A license ensures that the team is equipped to handle the work you have requested and know codes and laws specific to the project. If there will be any heavy machinery involved in the project, be sure the company is licensed to work with that as well. You can easily search the database of the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. Projects under $30,000 don’t require a licensed contractor but you might prefer someone who has that extra level of credibility.

7. Insured – Your contractor should be properly insured.  What if there is property damage or someone gets hurt during your project?  You certainly don’t want to be on the hook.  Contractors should carry general liability and workers compensation insurance at a minimum. Preferably they will also have auto coverage and umbrella coverage.  Ask for a copy of the insurance certificate and request the certificate be sent directly to you from their insurance agent.

8. Sensible Billing – Ask about their billing process and payment terms. If the contractor is asking for a large portion of money in advance or accepts only cash, hire another roofer.  Never pay more than 10% upfront and never pay a deposit in cash.

9. Portfolio – We touched on this earlier but a quality contractor will share photos and details about past projects so you can see his or her work. Be sure to ask when those jobs occurred; you want more recent examples and ask about projects similar to yours.

10. Warranties – The roofing material you choose comes with a product warranty that varies by manufacturer and product. However, your roofing team should also offer a warranty for the installation, called the workmanship warranty. For example, ours is 10 years. Some roofers only guarantee the work for one or two years.

Now that you know some of the most apparent signs of a quality roofing company, we hope your decision will be made a bit easier. If you are interested in roof repair or replacement for your home or business, contact the Bond team today.

Categories
Commercial Roofing Tips Residential Roofing Tips

Why We Love Tile Roofs

Tile is your first thought for the bathroom but may not pop into your head when you’re replacing your roof. But why not? Our Bond Roofing team is installing more tile roofs on both new and existing homes. Here are some of the reasons to consider a tile roof.

What is Tile?
What is a tile roof, exactly? Roofing tiles are commonly made from terracotta or fired clay, slate, or concrete. Tile roofs are more common in hotter climates such as the Southwest or South Florida which is probably why we think of Spanish or Mediterranean architecture when we think of tile roofs but roofing tiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

5 Reasons to Choose Tile for Your Roof

  • Durable – Like copper, tile can last for more than 100 years on your roof. Such roofs can handle high winds and hail, and sometimes even fire. Most tile manufacturers offer a 50-year warranty. We use Ludowici, which provides a 75-year standard warranty. Tile roofs won’t decay due to rot or insect damage. Some are hurricane rated, which is good here in central North Carolina.
  • Energy Efficient – If you live in a climate that gets extremely hot or cold, a tile roof may help. Heavy tiles can help regulate your indoor temperature. This depends on the exact finish or color you choose.
  • Low Maintenance – Tile roofs rarely leak and don’t usually require repairs — unless something hefty falls on your roof.
  • Environmentally Friendly – If you’re seeking a roof that doesn’t use chemicals, choose tile. Tiles are made from materials from the earth, and we can recycle them after removal.
  • Options – Tiles come in various shapes and styles. You can find them in curved, flat, fluted or made to mimic slate or wood shake. A variety of glazings or colors are available as well. Check out this white flat tile roof we completed recently.

The Cons to Tile Roofs
Despite all these pros, tile roofs have a few downsides. For example, tile roofs are far heavier than shingles; an engineer will need to confirm you can use tile. Many homes built today with asphalt shingles will not handle the weight.

Your roofing contractor will also need to check your roof’s slope; tile cannot be installed on all roof types.

If you live in an area with frequent freeze-thaw cycles, you’ll need a tile with low moisture absorption such as Ludowici terracotta tiles.

While tile roofs last for decades, they cost significantly more upfront than a typical asphalt shingle roof but the durability of tile means the life-cycle costs are more in line with other roofing systems.

If you’re curious about how tile can transform the look of your home’s roof, contact us for more information.

Categories
Residential Roofing Tips

How Much Will a New Roof Cost for My Raleigh Home?

“When do I need a new roof?” is one of the most frequent questions we hear. 

A roof is always there for you — until it isn’t. Whether you’ve owned your home for one year or many, you may rarely think about the roof and when it needs to be fixed or replaced. Unless there is a hurricane or strong storm, most North Carolina residents don’t need to worry often about their roof. But it will need to be replaced at some point. 

How long do roofs last? 

When you need a new roof depends on the type of roof on your home. 
“How much does a roof cost?” is a little like asking, “How much does a car cost?” Just as the cost of a car depends on the make, the model, and the options, the price of a roof depends on the make, the model, and the options plus one other significant factor — size.

When you know it’s time for a new roof, it’s natural for a homeowner to wonder what they should expect to pay for roof repair or replacement. While we can’t guess in a blog post what your home’s roof will cost, we can break down how we get a price to help guide you as you seek roof replacement quotes. 

Here are the essential factors determining the cost of the roof, which are generally listed in order of importance:

Roof Type and Material
There is a wide range of roof coverings: asphalt shingles, membranes and asphalt products for low sloped roofs, metal, slate, wood shake, terracotta tile, and composite/synthetic products. Companies are developing new materials every year.

Asphalt shingles are usually the least expensive roof covering and tend to be the most common. Asphalt shingles range from a standard 3-tab shingle to higher-end products that mimic the look of slate or wood shake. Costs can vary from about $2.50 per square foot to $6 per square foot. Keep in mind the square footage of your house or building is not the same as the square footage of your roof. (Keep reading for more on that.) 

Metal roofing is more expensive than asphalt. Costs can range from $5 or $6 per square foot for an exposed-fastener steel roof to $12 per square foot for a standing-seam aluminum roof. Products such as copper or zinc can go as high as $25 per square foot. 

Composites/synthetics are products that look like slate or wood shake. They range in cost from around $9/sf to $15/sf. Slate, terracotta tile, concrete tile, and wood shake are all higher-end products with prices ranging from $12/sf to $25/sf. 

Roof Size 

Naturally, the cost of your roof depends significantly on the size of your roof, and you no doubt noticed those prices are by the square foot. Large houses can have massive roofs and really big price tags while, of course, smaller homes will cost less. But the size of your roof is not as simple as basing the square footage of your roof on the square footage of your house.  

A 2,000-square-foot single-story ranch home will have a 2,000-square-foot roof footprint. However, a 2,000-square-foot two-story colonial house will have a 1,000-square-foot roof. If your house is two stories, you might think it’s as easy as taking just half. But you might need to factor in covered areas not heated, such as garages, carports, porches, or breezeways. Your roof may have an overhang of one to three feet. 

Another factor in determining the size of your roof is the roof slope or pitch. A gentle slope, (one you could comfortably walk on) may only add 5 percent to the size, whereas a steep angle can add 40 or 50 percent to the square footage of the roof. Steeper roofs are more challenging to work on, which adds to the labor cost.

Roof Style

Some roof styles are straightforward, with a rectangle on the front and a rectangle on the back. Others are more “cut-up” with varying angles and pitches and numerous faces. Complex roof styles are more difficult to work on, but also carry a higher waste factor — thus requiring more material.

Roof Details
Other factors that affect the cost of a new roof include: 

  • Chimneys, dormers, skylights, and roof penetrations or architectural features such as metal valleys, false gables, or returns all add to the cost of a roof.
  • Location. Is the house or building located in a town where material suppliers, landfills, and a labor pool are close by, or is it in a remote location where everything needs to be trucked in and out?
  • Accessibility. Does your home or building sit on a flat lot with a large driveway, or is it on the side of a hill where it’s difficult to access all sides of the building? Do you have delicate landscaping that crews need to work around or is it wide open? Do you live in an urban environment with only public street access to your building? 

If you’re ready to get an estimate for your roof replacement, contact us and we’ll provide a quote.

Categories
Commercial Roofing Tips

When Do I Need a New Roof?

Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán from Pexels

“When do I need a new roof?” is one of the most frequent questions we hear.

A roof is always there for you — until it isn’t. Whether you’ve owned your home for one year or many, you may rarely think about the roof and when it needs to be fixed or replaced. Unless there is a hurricane or strong storm, most North Carolina residents don’t need to worry often about their roof. But it will need to be replaced at some point.

How long do roofs last? 

When you need a new roof depends on the type of roof on your home.

Metal Roof – 50 years or more

Metal roofs have become more popular during the last decade as homeowners and builders have become increasingly aware of its many benefits. Long service life, energy savings, and superior wind resistance are just a few of the advantages of metal roofing.

Asphalt Shingles – 20 to 30 years

While the vast majority of shingles on the market carry a “lifetime limited” warranty, the reality here in the South is that we live in a hot, humid climate which shortens the life of shingles.  A number of factors (the amount of sun or shade on your roof, attic ventilation, type of shingle) determine the lifespan of your shingle roof.

Copper Roof – 70 years or more

Of the naturally-weathering materials, copper is the most popular and can be used as a component in any roofing system. A centuries-old roofing material, copper’s durability is probably unmatched.

While these are the typical life expectancies, your roof could last shorter or much longer than these averages. Check out tips from the Home Builders Association for protecting your home from severe weather.

5 Signs You May Need a New Roof 

We have created a list of different indicators that you need new roofing so you can determine what is right for you and your home. Although these are not all of the issues that lead to a new roof, these are some of the most common indicators. 

  • You need repairs. 

Storm damage from spring hail storms or August hurricanes can take its toll on your roof. Small breaks in your roof lead to leaks. As soon as you notice an issue, get it repaired to prevent further damage. Unfortunately, you may not notice the needed repairs for a long time, which can cause more problems. Sometimes, a need for repairs is actually a sign you need a new roof. If you aren’t sure if you need a repair or not, we offer roof inspections for both residential and commercial roofs. 

  • Your shingles are curled or cracked. 

Another common sign that you need to refresh your roof is shingles that are cracked or curled up on the edges. Shingles are supposed to lay flat across your roof. Older roofs are not as durable as the new roofing used on houses today, so you may see this more in older homes. 

  • Moss is growing on your roof. 

Green roofs are all the rage right now, but if you didn’t intend for greens to sprout up on your roof, it is probably time for a new one! The biggest issue with moss growth is the moisture that comes with it. This can cause problems when the weather is cold and the moss freezes. 

  • The flashing is cracked. 

Flashing is the material used around different exterior parts, such as vents or chimneys, to keep the rain out of your home. If there is an issue in the flashing, it could cause leaks and lead to major damage on your roof as well as inside your home.

  • Your roof needs a new look.  

We will often refresh roofs when homeowners build an addition or undergo extensive renovations that change the roofline or the appearance of the home. After years of weathering and minor wear, a roof can look outdated, contrasting with the new sections. Renovations and additions mean you’ve got crews at the house anyway, so it’s the perfect time to get more work done and have it finished for years to come.

If you are still unsure of your answer after going through this list, we would be happy to sit down with you. We can discuss your questions and concerns, and determine what your current or planned roofing system needs are, then offer a proposal, if you so choose.

Contact us today to set up an appointment and get your questions answered.

 

Categories
Residential Roofing Tips

How to Choose the Right Roof for your House and Budget

Choosing a roof for your home or business isn’t as simple as it sounds. There are endless factors that go into picking out a roof that you probably haven’t considered — aside from style and budget. Let’s go over the main factors you’ll want to keep in mind when picking out roofing material.

Slope – The slope of a roof is its vertical rise in inches over its horizontal run. In some cases, the slope of the roof will dictate the type of roofing. North Carolina Building Code and manufacturers require a minimum slope of 2:12 for asphalt shingles. If your roof’s slope is below 2:12, you’ll need a metal or flat roof system, such as a membrane roof.

Location – Buildings and homes in high wind zones that exist in the coastal and mountainous parts of our state might be better suited for metal. Another thing to consider is the location of trees on your property. If your home or business has a significant tree canopy, your roof will need to be made of a material that can withstand fallen tree branches.

Environmentally Friendly – You might have concerns about the environmental friendliness of the material. Materials for composite and metal roofs contain more recycled content than asphalt shingles. We are happy to provide environmentally friendly roofing materials here at Bond Roofing.

Energy Efficiency – If energy efficiency is your goal, we have options that help avoid wasted energy. Metal and white membrane roofs keep attics and buildings cooler than most shingle roofs. Metal roofing reflects heat while shingle roofing absorbs it. Metal roofing is useful if you live in a hot climate or an area with hot summers like those in Raleigh and Durham. Choosing one of these energy-efficient options will keep your electricity bill down during hot summer months.

Building Use – Of course, a commercial roof is different than how you’d cover your house. And a roof that might work for a clothing boutique won’t work the same for a greasy fast food restaurant. Keep building usage in mind when discussing your options.

Depending on the roofing material you choose, your roof could last a lifetime.

Whether you are interested in asphalt shingles, metal, copper roofing, you should have a better idea of what you’re looking for and if it will work for your space. Contact us today to discuss roofing options for your home or business.

Categories
Commercial Roofing Tips

Roof Coatings: What are the Benefits for your Commercial Roof?

If your commercial roof isn’t in the best condition and you’ve thought about the costly option of a replacement, there is another option that could save you money: roof coatings.

What Are Roof Coatings?

Roof Coatings are what you’d guess. Material is coated onto a damaged or old roof system to maintain it and avoid total replacement. Here at Bond Roofing, we install acrylic and silicone coatings, and the material we use depends on your roof. Specific roofing types are better suited for coatings than others. Installation of coatings on metal roofing occurs more than any other roofing type; they are an excellent solution for deteriorating metal roofs. Coatings are white, which means they often improve the energy efficiency of the roof. Some building owners even choose to coat a dark roof for this reason.

As we said, the kind of coating we use depends on your roofing type and specific needs. However, the most common varieties we use at Bond are from GAF– Hydro-Stop PremiumCoat Acrylic and Unisil Silicone.

Does My Roof Qualify for Coatings? 

By code, no no building can have more than two roofing systems installed. If your commercial building has a second roof overlaying the original roof, you are a candidate! But that isn’t a guarantee that we can coat your roof.

We cannot coat a roof that contains moisture, so building owners must address roof problems before there are several leaks. Don’t wait until the roof is a real problem. Once water intrusion is widespread, a complete tear-off is the only option, and it will cost significantly more than a coating.

Benefits of Coatings

The primary advantage of coating is avoiding a costly tear-off. Coatings are a lower-cost option than total roof replacement and they are easily renewable. However, they don’t last forever. You’ll need a new layer once every 10-20 years, depending on the type of coating system initially installed. Sometimes, the old coating can be cleaned up and re-coated to extend the manufacturer’s warranty.

Additionally, coatings are versatile. Aside from roofing, we use coatings on walls, masonry or stone chimneys, walkable balconies and terraces, and even planters and fountains.

Don’t think you have to go with a tear-off and total roof replacement! Contact us for more details about coatings, and we are here to answer any questions about your roofing needs.